Building a new relationship and earning the trust it takes to make it successful require time and organization. We have found the following steps to be effective in establishing a long-term, mutually rewarding relationship:

Introductions and Relationship Commitment

Our client relationships typically begin with phone calls and in-person meetings, during which we learn about your needs and make sure you are thoroughly informed about what we can offer you. If we agree that the relationship would be mutually beneficial, we can both commit to moving forward.

Information Gathering

Through our meetings and discussions, and your completion of our Investment and Risk Questionnaire, we will gather information from you to allow us to better understand your specific needs and objectives.

Integration of Financial Issues

We will review general financial issues, such as your cash-flow needs, tax situation, charitable giving desires, estate plans and other considerations specific to your situation, to make sure that your investment strategy supports your personal financial goals.

Development of an Investment Strategy

Together we will determine an appropriate investment strategy for your portfolio, including an asset allocation based on our understanding of your risk tolerance and long-term return requirements. We will re-evaluate the appropriateness of this strategy as your situation evolves.

Investment Policy Statement and Investment Management Agreement

We will prepare an Investment Policy Statement outlining the expectations and guidelines for the management of your portfolio and our understanding of your situation, and we will jointly execute an Investment Management Agreement - a legal document defining our relationship.

Portfolio Transition Strategy

We will determine a process to transition your current holdings into your new strategy, while minimizing any tax ramifications. Our Client Services team will help consolidate your investment accounts, coordinate asset transfers, and monitor the asset-transfer process.

Portfolio Implementation and Ongoing Management

We will transition your assets to your new investment strategy as outlined in your Investment Policy Statement. Moving forward, we will monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed, based on our manager due diligence and tactical asset allocation decisions.

Portfolio Reporting and Reviews

Monthly you will receive individual statements from your custodian. In addition, each quarter we will provide you with reporting that shows your portfolio's holdings and performance versus its benchmark, and we will send you our quarterly client newsletter which discusses our market outlook and current thinking. We also suggest scheduling regular, face-to-face meetings with us, which will provide the opportunity to directly review your portfolio and situation and to address any questions you may have.